Newcastle Theatre Royal joins National Theatre Nationwide to create new opportunities for Young People across the North East
Newcastle Theatre Royal has today been announced as one of 12 partner theatres in National Theatre Nationwide, a landmark four-year programme that will connect more than 100,000 young people across England with theatre, creative experiences, skills development and pathways into employment.
Bringing together the National Theatre and leading regional theatres across every English region, the programme is supported by a £27 million investment and aims to ensure more young people can access opportunities in theatre and the creative industries, regardless of their background or postcode.
The announcement follows a launch event at the National Theatre yesterday, attended by Marianne Locatori, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, alongside three young people involved in the theatre's youth programmes: Keira Davis, Maddie Clasp and Robert Punchard. Their journeys through Youth Theatre, Youth Company and NT Connections reflect the progression opportunities already being created through the theatre's work with young people and its ambition to extend those opportunities to even more young people across the region.
Through National Theatre Nationwide, young people will benefit from opportunities to explore acting, directing, playwriting and backstage careers through workshops, skills development programmes and creative projects. The programme will also provide subsidised £10 theatre tickets, school tours and productions created specifically for young audiences.
Announcing the programme, Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said:
"I am tired of being told that not everybody can or should have access to the best of what this country has to offer. Arts and culture gives the chance to live a richer, larger life and that chance should be afforded to every young person.
Experiencing the joy of theatre shouldn't be restricted to only those who can afford it or who were born in the right postcode. This programme takes the very best of the National Theatre and brings it to the doorsteps of our young people across the country, many for the first time ever, to help them find their spark, expand their horizons and encourage them to see a creative future for themselves."
Actor Sir Ian McKellen said:
"It is appropriate that a National Theatre should live up to its name by taking their work round the country. For young audiences living far away from the NT's London headquarters, here is a chance to see them close to home and get involved. If this means that theatre-going becomes a habit rather than an occasional adventure, hurrah!"
For Newcastle Theatre Royal, the partnership represents a significant opportunity to build on existing programmes including Youth Theatre, Youth Company and NT Connections, creating more opportunities for young people to develop confidence, creativity and skills while exploring careers in the creative industries.
Marianne Locatori, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, said:
“Theatre and creativity help young people find their voice, build confidence and imagine different futures.
At Newcastle Theatre Royal, our impact goes beyond the productions we present on stage. We want to create more opportunities for young people to connect, create, learn and thrive.
This investment through National Theatre Nationwide will enable us to give much needed opportunity to more young people across the North East, opening doors to inspiring theatre experiences, creative skills development and creating new pathways into the creative industries, regardless of their background or circumstances.
We are delighted to partner with the National Theatre on this programme and are grateful for the financial investment which we know will make a meaningful difference to young people and communities across our region.”
As a founding member of the Regional Independent Theatre Alliance (RITA), Newcastle Theatre Royal is delighted that fellow founding members Norwich Theatre, Leeds Heritage Theatres, Marlowe Theatre and Birmingham Hippodrome are also part of National Theatre Nationwide.
Featured image: Piers Allardyce
